‘LETS START a RIOT:’ NJ man faces federal rioting charge after investigators review Facebook posts

A man from Atlantic City is facing a federal charge of using social media to participate in, and carry on a riot after investigators reviewed posts on his Facebook page.

News 12 Staff

Jun 5, 2020, 9:45 AM

Updated 1,649 days ago

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A man from Atlantic City is facing a federal charge of using social media to participate in, and carry on a riot after investigators reviewed posts on his Facebook page.
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The charge stems from a protest Sunday night in Atlantic City that began peacefully, but eventually featured looting and vandalism at outlet stores in the city.
According to a criminal complaint, police arrested Carlos Matchett, 30, at the scene and confiscated a folding knife, a hatchet and a jar containing what appeared to be gasoline.
Matchett’s Facebook page allegedly contained a post stating “LETS START a RIOT” as well as a video Matchett filmed showing him urging people to enter a store.
The charge carries a maximum prison term of five years.

AP wire services helped contribute to this report.